Ellicott City's Main Street Reopens After Rains Threaten Another Flood
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- Howard County officials say Ellicott City's Main Street has reopened after rains pummeled the area, increasing the threat of flooding.
Access to Main Street was temporarily suspended Wednesday night as officials watched the channel in anticipation of flooding.
The road leading onto Main Street was wet and came with a warning.
A steady stream of rain continued to fall over the region -- enough to make locals pay extra close attention to the forecast.
"Every time I drive home, I leave or I come back home, there's those big LED signs saying flash flood warning and you're wondering is it happening again," Leann Whitt said.
It was only two months ago that deadly flooding swept through the area. Sgt. Eddison "Eddie" Hermand died while trying to save a woman in the rising waters in late May. Hermand was a 39-year-old Air Force veteran and a member of the National Guard.
A state of emergency is still in effect, allowing business owners a chance to rebuild and recover from the devastation.
"Yeah, people don't realize you can be swept away really quickly," Whitt said.
It's because of that concern that Howard County officials decided to shut down Main Street.
Officials tweeted out updates during the hour the road was closed, including one urging people to seek higher ground.
"I'm glad they are taking the precautions that are necessary," Crystal Shugars said.
Main Street fully opened for the first time last week.
RELATED: Ellicott City's Main Street Reopens After Major Flooding
The National Weather Service said the town received six to 12 inches of rain during the heaviest band of rainfall in May.
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